The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries except if it is totally essential Various airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel management firm will be utilized for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More information on travelling abroad and current government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Entire amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Consumers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

In situations where the hotel and place are functioning, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may miss out.

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reimbursement in conditions where other ways do not.

If consumers have organised travel to infected areas after a warning was published in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some circumstances, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and owing to the present situation, problems occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those customers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any further expenses for accommodation and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a refund, then the responsibility of care ends here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek additional support. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice published in regard to a country that the customer picks to travel to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Customers are urged to certify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a refund due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been violated, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.

Events and Entertainment

Cancelled events

If the tickets to an event such as a concert or sports event have been cancelled, and these have been reserved by means of an official booking site, then you must usually obtain a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, require firms registered with them to refund the ticket’s face value cost when an event is cancelled. This does not consist of the costs paid for delivery.

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the company who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a postponed or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

As with cancelled events, this may not comprise the charges paid for booking fees or delivery.

Specific events may differ, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Consumers deciding not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the larger cinema groups have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service recommences as normal. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for each of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but options may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special occasions

Marriages and special occasions could potentially be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the service or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not possible, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible when a product or service that has been paid for cannot be provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients can contact their bank and try and make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on uneeded products in favour of shipping medical items and necessary goods. For extra details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items must be the first contact point.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances listed below.

Nevertheless, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the trader

If requesting for repair/replacement within first thirty days, then the purchaser enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair/replacement.

Consumers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their goods and have gone beyond the first thirty days after  purchase, may be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without leading to considerable difficulty

If a repair or replacement is not possible then they might rather be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser price
• Return back the products for a repayment (complete repayment in 6 months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must go with the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations on the phone or in person

If the buyer feels that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and fault observed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which could be tough if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies about reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should call the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has advised that everyone in a foreign land must return back to the UK, a lot are still trapped without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted steps such as specially chartered planes to help get citizens home, however this may take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made several suggestions regarding what people who are trapped in a foreign land need to do.

If someone suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed when somebody is suffering from coronavirus. This is available at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do/

The embassy or consulate in the area where the UK citizen resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies#

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more information on flying back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people with travel insurance should get in touch with their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stuck should even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is essential to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary assistance in certain circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to guaranteeing that British citizens in foreign country have access to accommodation, medical essentials, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can even offer financial aid in a few situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ensure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They may request family or friends to look after this person until they fly back.

If no other choice is available, the home local authority should be contacted for further support and advice.

If the trapped passenger has tension about their job or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they should keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are doing a job, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while stuck abroad

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for 13 weeks whilst in a foreign country.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen has been in a foreign country.

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad